Power failure stalls Metro-North’s New Haven Line, repairs could take weeks

Metro-North says, "while trains are crowded, we're getting people on the move with as many resources as we can."Metropolitan Transportation Authority / Kevin Ortiz

A failure in a Con Edison feeder cable resulted in a lack of electricity to power overhead wires along MTA Metro-North Railroad's New Haven Line on Sept. 25. The railroad was forced to run limited service using diesel locomotives until further notice between Stamford, Conn. and Grand Central Station in New York City.

Ridership on the New Haven Line set a new record in 2012 with 38.8 million rides and according to MTA, Stamford was the biggest outlying station and busiest suburban work destination of 2012 with some 5,300 people getting off morning trains from both directions.Metro-North's service plan can accommodate approximately 33 percent of the regular ridership on the New Haven Line.

Con Edison said it is working with Metro-North to try to establish alternative power sources to serve the New Haven line, but noted that repairs of this nature typically take two to three weeks.

A statement on MTA's website read, "Metro-North is working with Con Edison to try to establish alternative power sources to serve the New Haven Line. Con Ed crews are working around the clock to make repairs to a feeder cable that failed...Another feeder normally providing service to the New Haven Line was out on scheduled repairs to accommodate upgrades required by Metro-North."